Moffat Mungazi
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN Zimbabwe, we hold certain national holidays in high esteem, such as Independence Day, Heroes’ Day, and Defence Forces Day, which are deeply ingrained in our national consciousness.
These national holidays are more than just dates on a calendar, they are pivotal moments that shape our national identity and reflect the sacrifices made for our freedom and sovereignty.
Independence Day, celebrated on April 18, commemorates the end of colonial rule and the birth of our nation, a symbol of our hard-won liberation and self-determination.
Heroes’ Day, observed in August, honours the brave men and women who fought during the liberation struggle, their unwavering commitment to justice and equality serving as a constant inspiration.
Defence Forces Day, also in August, acknowledges the vital role of our military in safeguarding our nation’s security and territorial integrity.
These holidays are marked by solemn ceremonies, vibrant cultural displays, and heartfelt tributes, reinforcing our collective memory and fostering a sense of unity and national pride.
They serve as crucial reminders of our history, our values, and the ongoing commitment to building a prosperous and just Zimbabwe for all.
Similarly, the recent National Youth Day observance at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo last Friday, marked by an exceptionally high turnout characterised by similar displays of national pride, suggests that it is rapidly becoming another national holiday held in high esteem.
Thousands of young people from across the country’s 10 provinces, along with youth representatives from countries such as Burundi, Mozambique, and South Africa, attended, which serves as a testament to the event’s growing significance.
The celebrations were held under the theme: ‘Empower Youth: Secure the Future.'” Last year, the day was celebrated in Masvingo at Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre, where there was also a high turnout.
Every year on February 21, Zimbabweans gather to celebrate National Youth Day, dedicated to honouring the vital role young people play in shaping the country’s present and future.
Established as a national holiday in 2017, this day provides an opportunity to reflect on the immense potential of Zimbabwean youth and to encourage their active participation in national development.
The consistently high turnout demonstrates that National Youth Day is gaining significant traction.
It is more than just a commemoration; it’s a call to action, a reminder that investing in young people is investing in the country’s prosperity.
The high turnout also illustrates that National Youth Day is evolving into more than just a public holiday; it is a symbol of hope, unity, and renewal, solidifying its place as an important national event.
The day, which is also tied to the legacy of former President Robert Mugabe, who played a significant role in advocating for youth inclusion in national matters, also highlights the importance of youth empowerment and the role of young people in shaping a better Zimbabwe.
It is important to note that this surge in participation signals a growing public recognition and embrace of the holiday, solidifying its place within the national calendar.
The impressive turnout in Bulawayo serves as a potent indicator of the holiday’s expanding appeal.
The sheer numbers of attendees reflect a deepening connection between Zimbabwean youth and the day’s intended purpose: to celebrate their contributions, address their concerns, and foster a sense of national unity.
During his keynote address at the National Youth Day commemorations, President Mnangagwa stated that the huge turnout and the peaceful, jovial, and electric atmosphere characterising the gathering reflected the country’s collective unity and its defining national character as an independent and sovereign people.
“This National Youth Day is set aside and dedicated to recognising the potential of you, the young people of our country. Use your leaders, believe in your potential, and will, continue to ensure that your zeal and energy are harnessed so that you accomplish your dreams and aspirations and ultimately, our national Vision 2030.
“The huge turnout, peaceful, jovial, and electric atmosphere characterising this gathering is a reflection of our collective unity and defining national character as an independent and sovereign people.
“I also commend you for the consciousness you have of our rich history, as well as the future we are marching towards. I urge you to continue working hard for our great motherland, Zimbabwe, with unflinching patriotism and loyalty. Resist and reject machinations of those who would want to divide you, and divide our nation,” said President Mnangagwa.
He stated that the National Youth Day was an opportunity to reflect on the critical role of past generations of youth in establishing Zimbabwe’s foundation.
“As we observe this special day, it is yet another opportunity to reflect on the critical role played by the youth of yester-year in laying a solid and unshakeable foundation for our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“We also have a chance to chart and refine the journey we are taking for a brighter future, particularly the role of you, and our young people.
“The Second Republic has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to empowering young people through the deliberate and bold placement of youth in key leadership and decision-making positions. This includes Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, in Parliament as well as other strategic institutions, such as Boards of Parastatals and advisory Councils, among others.”
In light of these achievements, President Mnangagwa also challenged young people in leadership positions to continue demonstrating principles of servant leadership and discipline, while simultaneously encouraging youth participation in the country’s socio-economic and cultural affairs.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire underscored the importance of the day, stating it was proclaimed and instituted in 2017 to celebrate the contributions made by youth to the development of our country.
“This day was proclaimed and instituted in 2017 to celebrate contributions made by the youth to the development of our country. The theme of this year’s celebrations: ‘Empower Youth; Secure the Future resonates deeply with our collective vision for a brighter future, one that is driven by the energy, creativity, and passion of our young people, who are the heartbeat of our national progress.
“We appreciate the initiatives that have been put in place to promote youth empowerment as well as the appointment of young people in various boards and positions of influence in the government,” said Minister Machakaire.
Speaking on the sidelines of the commemorations, ZANU PF Bulawayo Province youth league chairperson Cde Freedom Murechu described the huge turnout as a testament to the day’s growing esteem among the youth.
He emphasised that it was an important day where young people also celebrated the youth of yesteryear who participated in the liberation struggle to liberate their country.
“As Bulawayo Province, we are happy to have hosted the National Youth Day celebrations, and the huge turnout is a testament to the day’s growing esteem among the youth. It’s a day where we celebrate both the current youth and the youth of yesteryear who participated in the liberation struggle to liberate our country.
“We also aim to instil a strong work ethic within the youth, encouraging them to work for their country now, especially in light of the President’s Vision 2030, where every youth has a role to play in its attainment.
“So, we are here today, and as youth, we are very happy. We have heard a lot from the President, a champion of youth empowerment, and we have benefited greatly. After the land audit and downsizing, numerous youths were given land to enter into farming. Youths also benefited from the Presidential heifer scheme.
“We also have the Munhumutapa Youth Housing Scheme, which will be unveiled very soon, further benefiting the youth. The huge turnout, including youth from schools, colleges, and churches, shows that we love the President as a champion of youth empowerment,” Cde Murechu said.
ZANU PF Harare Province youth league chairperson, Cde Emmanuel Mahachi concurred with Cde Murechu, thanking President Mnangagwa for gazetting it as a public holiday in remembrance of the youth.
He also expressed gratitude that, while in previous years it had been a one-day event, this year’s National Youth Day celebration spanned three days.
“We are happy as youth to be part of Youth Day in Bulawayo, and we want to thank President Mnangagwa, who gazetted it as a public holiday in remembrance of the youth. It is an important public holiday because, of all the public holidays, this one is specifically for the youth.
“We want to acknowledge that this year’s celebrations are different from previous ones because we are seeing the youth exhibiting their innovations in line with youth empowerment. We want to thank His Excellency; all the years it has been a one-day event, but this year it was a three-day celebration of National Youth Day.
“As youth, we once appealed to His Excellency for a youth fund, similar to what is provided to War Veterans, and we are looking forward to him considering our request,” said Cde Mahachi.
Online Reporter